Why leave bagels just for breakfast? Here they replace the usual suspects like sourdough or challah for a unique Thanksgiving stuffing that's sure to be the talk of the table. While plain or sesame will make for a solid stuffing, what makes this really special is the use of everything bagels — they're salty, garlicky, oniony, and seedy all at once, which makes for a stuffing that's jam-packed with flavor while you barely lift a finger.

A Simple Twist on the Classic

As much as I love a classic bread stuffing, it's fun to bring something new to the table. Whether it's the meal you make with your family or the dish you bring to Friendsgiving this year, let it be this dish.

Large chunks of everything bagels have enough seasoning on them to flavor stuffing so all that's required are some sautéed onions and celery to round it out. Chopped scallions and a big splash of heavy cream don't hurt either; think of this combo as the scallion cream cheese to the everything bagel base.

It's a stuffing that can easily be made vegetarian by swapping in vegetable broth for the chicken broth and can even be baked ahead of time and frozen for up to a month before thawing and reheating for the big day.

Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish or 9x13-inch baking dish with butter, olive oil, or cooking spray. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 350°F.

Spread the bagel cubes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring halfway through, until the bread is dry and lightly toasted, about 20 minutes total. Remove from the oven and let cool. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.

Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are very soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the scallions, then turn off the heat.

Whisk the broth, eggs, and cream together in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the bagel cubes and sautéed vegetables and stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and drizzle the top with the melted butter. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake until a knife inserted in the center of the stuffing comes out warm, about 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until the top is crispy and golden-brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Let cool briefly before serving.

Recipe Notes

Make ahead: To make the stuffing ahead, bake and then cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight, then add a little extra broth and butter and reheat (covered) in the oven.

Storage: Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.